Spain has an lovely tradition during Holy Week. If We were Spanish Chistians, we would belong to a fraternity social group, probably based out of our church, devoted to some particular aspect of the Trinity or Mary. We would build and dress and decorate statues that commemorate Holy Week events.
For example, the photo below is from Rota. This brotherhood wears purple robes with pointy hats. They carry a float depicting Christ carrying the cross
on the road to Calvary.
We went to our little town of Pozuelo, where Mary accompanies Jesus's body to the tomb. The name of the church is "the Assumption of Our Lady." Our neighbors tried to go to one in Madrid but it was an absolute crush of people.
Some pictures of the old part of town...
Here are the cute retirees waiting for the procession to start. Troy said "We could retire here," and Wyatt replied, "then YOU would be cute, Mama."
The priest is gently admonishing us to keep silent, or sing, because the people watching are not Christians and we have to set a good example. I explained the procession ahead of time, but Wyatt was still surprised. "It looks more like a funeral! And that glass coffin makes me think of Snow White."
The solemn processions are agood reminder to take to heart the thrill and desolation of Holy Week that Jesus's followers felt. On Pascua (easter) Mary leaves from one church and Jesus from another, and when they meet, her black robe is exchanged for radiant white.
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